Politically Speaking column with Simon Lightwood MP: Making summer a little easier for families

One thing I hear all the time when I’m out across Wakefield and Rothwell, whether I’m knocking on doors, visiting schools or chatting to parents at community events is just how stressful and expensive it can be to keep children entertained over the summer holidays.

As a parent myself, I completely get it!

Sir Keir Starmer promoting the official launch of the Great British Summer Savings scheme.

placeholder image — Sir Keir Starmer promoting the official launch of the Great British Summer Savings scheme.

Six weeks can feel like a very long time to fill. You want to make memories, get the kids out of the house and enjoy time together, but by week two you’re already hearing “I’m bored” on repeat.

Plus, every trip out seems to come with another bill attached. Parking, food, tickets, bus fares, an ice cream because you can’t really say no every time, it soon adds up!

Simon Lightwood, Labour MP for Wakefield and Rothwell.

Plus if you’ve got two or three children, the costs multiply faster than the washing pile.

For many families, that means constantly weighing up whether they can afford a day out at all.

That’s why I’m pleased the government is introducing Great British Summer Savings.

Now, I’ll be honest, it’s not going to solve every money pressure families face. But I also know that when you’re watching every penny, every saving helps (especially when those pennies seem to disappear as quickly as snacks in the cupboard).

Throughout the summer holidays there will be discounts on everything from family attractions like soft play, theme parks and cinema trips to meals out and entertainment, helping parents stretch the family budget just that little bit further.

One part of the package that I think will make a real difference is free bus travel for children aged five to 15 throughout August. (Yes, I know we also need better buses – but I think we're beginning to see some progress on that too!)

Here in Wakefield and Rothwell, around 15,000 young people will be able to travel by bus for free. That means one less cost for parents when the children want to visit friends, head into town, spend the day with grandparents or enjoy one of the many activities taking place across our area (and give parents a few precious minutes of peace and quiet at home!)

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. If you don’t have to worry about paying for everyone’s bus fare, you might decide to take that extra trip you otherwise wouldn’t have made.

And the support doesn’t stop when summer ends.

September is another expensive time for families, so the government is also acting to reduce the cost of school uniforms by limiting the number of compulsory branded items schools can require. Families who receive Universal Credit will soon see every child become eligible for free school meals, putting more money back into household budgets, while new breakfast clubs are opening in schools, including a few here in Wakefield and Rothwell, helping kids start the day ready to learn while giving parents a little extra support before work.

None of these things on their own will solve every challenge families face. But together they can make life that bit easier.

I know many households are still carefully balancing their budgets so if these changes mean one extra family day out, one less thing to worry about, or simply a little more money left in your pocket at the end of the month, then they are worth having.

Because every child deserves the chance to enjoy their summer, and every parent deserves a little help in making that happen.